PORT OF SPAIN (Trinidad and Tobago) – Jelan Blackett and Jael Lewis, two players of the main basketball clubs in Trinidad and Tobago, concluded their participation in the FIBA Americas Youth Development Program after an enriching experience both in and out of the court.

During the third stop of the YDP, which took place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the two members of the Maloney Pacers Basketball and Youth Development Club had the chance of working on all aspects of their game and establish new multicultural relationships that will surely result in positive things for their lives now and in the future. This was a unique opportunity to showcase their skills to the world and be on the radar of the zone’s development programs.

For Jael Lewis, the number one prospect in the National Basketball Federation of Trinidad and Tobago’s ranks, being in this camp helps him to set in motion the professionalization of his athletic career.

“I had a great opportunity to showcase my abilities to FIBA coaches and to create relationships with players from other countries,” said Lewis. “In general, it was a learning experience for me. We learned how to manage our time, how to be organized and have a more professional approach to the sport. Now I know what is needed and the work I have to do the next time an opportunity comes.”

Blackett, for his part, praised the level of competition portrayed in Puerto Rico. “It was awesome to experiment basketball at such a high level, being a player against tougher competition and experimenting with new drills and plays in the court,” he stated.

The two main prospects of the island were part of 24 of some of the best talents of the Caribbean zone, who were trained by first class international coaches like Don Showalter (USA) and Maíta Mercedes (Dominican Republic).

Now, Blackett and Jael Lewis have been duly identified by FIBA and the national federations, and their progress will be monitored. This is precisely one of the pillars of the initiative to develop and elevate the level of Caribbean national teams before the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 and the 2023 Olympic Games take place.

Trinidad and Tobago are waiting for their remaining three Elite 5 prospects to be selected to participate in the next YDP stop, which will be in October or November in a venue that is yet to be confirmed.

FIBA